How to Avoid Panic in a Crisis

It's just a guess on my part, but I'll bet that in the history of the world, no one has ever said "Thank God we panicked." Panic is the opposite of rational thought. When you learn how to keep your cool in a crisis, you'll reduce stress and increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

Things You Will Need

Your Calm

Common Sense

Step 1

Preparedness is the enemy of panic. If you find yourself in a crisis, take a deep breath. Ask yourself what your next course of action should be. Remain calm.

Medical crisis: Summon help. If you are trained in first aid and CPR, ask someone to call 911 before attending to the victim. If you are the only person able to call 911, you must do that first. The reason for this is two-fold: first, it's always better to have a professional on hand, and second, once CPR is begun you are legally required in most states to continue until the person recovers or you are relieved by someone else trained in CPR.

Step 2

Fire or Natural Disaster: This is where the "fight or flight" instinct kicks in. You can save your life and the lives of your loved ones if you keep a calm head. Know where the emergency exits are. Have a designated escape route in your home or place of business. Remember the fire drills we had in school? How about "stop, drop, and roll?"

Step 3

Financial Crisis: Remain calm. Are you starting to detect a pattern? There is no benefit to panicking during a financial crisis. In fact, we have seen over the past few months that panic actually makes it much worse. Always save a portion of your earnings in an emergency fund. Realize that stock market declines and recessions are as temporary as the times that they are good. Spend wisely.

Array

Tips & Warnings

Take a First Aid and CPR class. Contact your local Fire Department or the YMCA for more information.